Anemia is caused by diminished red blood cell production, loss of blood cells from extensive bleeding or destruction of blood cells within the body. The most common types of anemia are known as "deficiency anemias." They occur whenever there is a lack of iron or another key nutrient in the diet required to build healthy red blood cells. Deficiency can also be a result of blood loss or poor iron absorption. When anemia is mild, so are the symptoms, but as the condition worsens, the symptoms become more profound.
Fatigue
Fatigue occurs with anemia because of the diminished number of red blood cells or lack of hemoglobin in the blood cells. Hemoglobin normally carries oxygen in blood cells, so a lack of hemoglobin means cells are carrying less oxygen throughout the body. This lack of oxygen can eventually make you feel tired, dizzy, confused, weak and lacking in energy.
Cravings
When anemia is the result of iron deficiency, some people develop pica, a condition where unusual cravings develop for substances such as ice, paper, dirt, clay, paint or sand.
Pale Skin
People with anemia often experience a loss of color in their skin that is most noticeable in the face, inside the mouth or under the fingernails. This paling is due to the decreased number of red blood cells flowing through blood vessels under the skin.
Breathlessness
Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath with even mild exercise are warning signs of anemia that occur because none of the organs in your body, including your lungs, are getting enough oxygen.
Irregular Heartbeat
When your supply of hemoglobin or red blood cells runs short, your heart has to work harder to try to pump enough blood through your body to get oxygen into your cells. This hard work results in a rapid heartbeat. Severe anemia can lead to chest pain and ultimately a heart attack as oxygen levels continue to diminish.
Low Blood Count
A complete blood count (CBC) will tell your doctor the levels of hemoglobin in your blood cells and hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in the blood), which will indicate the severity of anemia. For non-pregnant adult women, a hemoglobin count less than 12 g/dL or hematocrit less than 36 percent may be a warning sign of anemia. For men, hemoglobin less 13 g/dL or hematocrit less than 39 percent may be indicators, according to Medline Plus.
